Purple Reign

Even before it unveiled its name or opened its doors to the public, the name aubergine has given me many, many fond memories. First of all, purple is my favorite color, so obviously I would love that.

Next, when my sister Margie got married, I was her maid of honor and her theme was aubergine. My dress was beautifully designed by the Frenchman, Pascal Banet. Unfortunately, he borrowed Margie's gorgeous silver wedding gown for a shoot and, due to certain circumstances, left the country in a dash and today, the dress is nowhere to be found.

Purple also has a meaning: it is the color of good judgment and spirituality. Now I only found this out Googling it a few seconds ago, but there are many reasons to love purple.

Now the restaurant Aubergine, headed by Chef Norbert Gandler and Hans Schallenberg, gives you a plethora of reasons to love it too.

Here is a teaser:

The photo above shows what Aubergine does best, which is give you one food item, in this case, duck, and turn into several choices on the same plate for the diner to enjoy. From left to right, you have duck pate topped with aspic, then next to it is duck pan-fried foie gras then next to that is smoked duck breast. Now what I love most about this dish is the little ball of ice cream (yes, you read that right) ice cream foie gras. You may think its weird but its truly delightful and innovative.

Their menu items are meant for sharing

beef carpaccio

I swear this is only 3/4 of this photo of beef carpaccio. Love the pine nuts, arugula and fresh mozzarella that they garnish on it.

Oysters Rockefeller

Now who can resist the lure of succulent oysters on a fancy restaurant's menu? Certainly not me. Now the main courses also like to give you several choices on one plate. Here's a rib eye topped with pan-seared foie gras

And then here's the version for the person who wants it all (such as me). It's got steak, lobster and the pan-fried foie gras. I can just hear my beautiful blonde friend Geri's voice saying, "Now, you're just being greedy."

The dessert selection also gives you many choices, but this is where I like to KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid). Again, even though this is one dish- it is huge. That's a whole bowlful folks.

 creme brulee

You may opt to try the dessert samplers as well, very artfully plated, but depending on your taste bud's flavor factor, maybe too much going on at one time. Maybe ask for another bit of the foie gras ice cream? (Which is not on the dessert menu.)

Perfect place to take a girl out on a first date. Impressive factor: 9. Also very suitable to taking your mother, your wife or your best friend who is feeling mopey about her life. Instant cheerfulness!

Add this while you are at it

badabing!

Aubergine

5th corner 32nd Avenue

Bonifacio Global City 

reservations recommended! 

tel +632.856.9888.